I just bought my 29 gallon tank but now my lights only light up on the ends! Help!

[Claic Yuzolt]

I recently bought a Instant Ocean Marine Kit 29 Gallon tank about two weeks ago. Everything has been going fine and I even have a nice piece of live rock inside. Anyway I tried turning the lights on just not the make sure the temp. was ok and they don't turn all the way on. They turn red on the ends sometimes and sometimes light up normal except the middles won't line up. Now if I take the lid off and mess with the bulbs if I turn them a certain way they actually come on but its impossible to get them to both stay on without holding them.

Whats up with my tank? Hopefully I can fix this without taking the whole thing back because I really really don't want to have to start over and loose my live rock which was 100 dollars as it is.

Thanks!

[Jadinop]

You have a flourescent bulb fixture. The bulbs need to be twisted into the locking position. Typically the bulbs go into the slots of the holders and then turn 90 degrees to lock. You may also need to check or replace the starter if it is accessible on your fixture.

[Claic Yuzolt]

Originally Posted by Jadinop

You have a flourescent bulb fixture. The bulbs need to be twisted into the locking position. Typically the bulbs go into the slots of the holders and then turn 90 degrees to lock. You may also need to check or replace the starter if it is accessible on your fixture.

I do lock them in but for some reason they are not working any longer in that position they are only working if I hold them in a certain position that isn't natural for the plastic holding them.

I'm not sure why this happened because I was just pushing a button in and then out and now it doesn't work correctly. I just bought the tank 2 weeks ago so I don't understand how the starter, which I have no idea what that is to replace, has gone bad.

[Jadinop]

Could be simply bad bulbs or the starter as I said. Can you remove and reinstall the bulbs? The starter looks like a small can if your fixture has a replaceable starter.

Trying not to sound harsh but that fixture is not the best and it is unsuitable for a reef tank. If you are planning on keeping anything other than fish you have some upgrading to do.

[Claic Yuzolt]

Yeah the lights can be messed with but as I said it doesn't help to move them around.

The starter must not be interchangeable because I don't see what you are saying. lol

So I can't keep an anemone with these lights?

See I had no idea what to buy and the people at Petco said this was better to buy over buying a 55 gallon tank and then buying everything to put it together.

[wharyat]

Nope, no anemone.

Anemones are high light creatures, metal halide or T5 (in a good fixture) lighting. They are also relatively difficult, needing a stable seasoned tank.

[wharyat]

BTW, Welcome to TRT!

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRT!

[Jadinop]

Again not too sound harsh but the only good thing you got with that kit was the 29g tank itself. I would put everything on hold for a while and spend a little time doing some research.

[Claic Yuzolt]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

Welcome to TRT!

Thanks to both of you! So what should I do about my lighting? I don't want to have to take the whole tank back because I dont want to start over but I also don't know how to fix it. Its actually a part of the head unit so I cant just switch it out.

[wharyat]

Your fixture should have a starter.

Looks like this:



You'll only be able to see the top 1/4" or so.

If replacing that doesn't work, it's most likely the bulb. If you're still within the return period, I would take it the fixture back to the store and ask for a new one.



Agreed with jadinop on the research. If your goal is anemones; you'll need to learn a lot to keep one long term.

[Claic Yuzolt]

If it came in a like bundle I guess you could say, will they replace just the lighting unit?

Here is what we are working with. Also the lights seem to have something rattling inside of them when I shake could this mean it is the lights?

[Loverotties]

Maybe!

[VWD]

looking at the pictures, I don't think that is a safe set up with salt water or fresh water for that fact, You can see all the moisture on the inside of the lid so imagine that on the pins. It really looks like a under counter type fixture mounted inside the lid.

Not all fixtures take a starter

[cutietwo]

I would take it back, and then buy everything separate that you want. I know buying a setup is usually cheaper and easier, but a lot of the time kits like that come with the cheapest parts or brands that just don't work properly.